School Programs:
Special Education

Welcome
to the Montana Division of Special Education web
pages. The Division of Special Education has responsibility
for assuring that children with disabilities receive
a free and appropriate public education in the
least restrictive environment. Division staff provide
training, technical assistance and monitor special
education services provided by public schools and
state-operated programs. The Division is also responsible
for managing the flow of state and federal dollars
for special education programs.

Representative of Subtitle B of Title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Heather Denny
Office of Public Instruction
Helena, MT 59620-2501

Upcoming Meetings

June 29-30, 2017
The Special Education Advisory Panel meeting will be held at the Comfort Suites of Helena, 3180 N Washington Avenue, Helena, on Thursday, June 29, 2017, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. to Noon on Friday, June 30, 2017.

The meetings are open to the public. The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you need an accommodation, require an alternate format of a document, or have questions concerning accessibility, please contact Marlene Wallis, 406-444-2504, TDD 800-253-4091, or e-mail at mwallis@mt.gov, by close of business on June 26, 2017.

The Advisory Panel will meet on Thursday, May 4, 2017, from 8:00 a.m. – Noon, at the Comfort Suites of Helena, 3180 N Washington Avenue, Helena.

The meetings are open to the public. The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you need an accommodation, require an alternate format of a document, or have questions concerning accessibility, please contact Marlene Wallis, 406-444-2504, TDD 800-253-4091, or e-mail at mwallis@mt.gov, by close of business on April 28, 2017.

Early Assistance Program (EAP)

For Assistance: Early Assistance Program 406.444.5664

The Legal Services and Special Education Divisions of
the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) have instituted
the Early Assistance Program (EAP). This program
is designed to provide technical assistance to parents,
school districts, and advocacy organizations in regard
to the delivery of a free appropriate public education
(FAPE) for students with disabilities (10.16.3660,
ARM). Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA), parents can file complaints if they feel
a district is not following administrative rules.
The intent of the EAP program is to intervene prior
to or at the time of filing a complaint with OPI
(10.16.3662)(4)(c). At this intervention point, required
by 10.16.3660(4), the EAP will gather information
pertinent to the situation from parents, schools,
and others who are involved with the issue and attempt
to resolve the problem within 15 school days. With
permission from the parents, EAP may exceed 15 days.

Our philosophy is to resolve issues
amicably and thereby prevent costly legal entanglements
wherever possible. We feel that, given the opportunity
to discuss the issues at hand in a less formidable
and confrontational venue, both parents and schools
can reach agreement without undermining the relationships
necessary to ensure the smooth delivery of special
education services to children and youth with disabilities.

The Office of Public Instruction is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscriminatory access to all our programs and services.
For information or to file a complaint, contact the OPI Title IX/EEO, ADA Coordinator, Tom Antonick at (406) 444.3161 or tantonick@mt.gov